Freshmen Devaughn Eka and Journee Tonga are positioning themselves to provide significant depth for the BYU running back unit following the Cougars' 63-7 season-opening victory over Utah Tech on Sept. 5, 2026. The emergence of these newcomers comes as the program looks to fill the void left by Sione Moa, whose 2025 season was hampered by injuries.
Freshmen Make Early Impact
The explosive start to the 2026 season highlighted the depth of the BYU backfield. In the 63-7 win at LaVell Edwards Stadium, the Cougars' offense recorded 308 rushing yards, with 11 different players contributing on the ground. Among the true freshmen who made an impact were Devaughn Eka, a Lehi High School product, and Journee Tonga, who each recorded rushing touchdowns during the second half of the contest.
Eka Brings Versatility
The performance of the freshman class underscores the offensive depth BYU built during the offseason. Devaughn Eka, a three-star recruit who previously played for Lehi High School, entered the season as a highly-regarded newcomer. In addition to his rushing touchdown, Eka brings a versatile skill set to the roster, having recorded over 3,200 rushing yards and 800 receiving yards during his high school career. He was also a 2025-26 Lehi Varsity Football MVP.
Martin Leads Offensive Attack
While the freshmen have begun to contribute, the backfield remains headlined by senior LJ Martin. Martin, the 2026 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, entered the season as a focal point of the offense after leading the league last year with 1,305 rushing yards. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound back, who has played in 33 career games, remains a primary threat alongside the emerging freshman rotation.
Managing Injuries in the Backfield
The search for consistent production in the backfield is partly due to the injury history of Sione Moa. The 5-foot-10, 220-pound running back returned to the squad for the 2026 season after injuries plagued his 2025 campaign. While Moa aims to reclaim a significant role in the offense, the presence of Eka, Tonga, and other candidates like Preston Rex provides the necessary insurance for the Cougars' rushing attack.
Sitake Praises Young Talent
Head coach Kalani Sitake, entering his 11th season leading the program, expressed pride in the performance of the younger players during the season opener. Following the victory over Utah Tech, Sitake noted that while he was disappointed the team could not secure a shutout, he was pleased with the energy and the performance of the young players. The victory marks BYU's second consecutive season opening with a score of over 60 points.
Coaching Continuity Fuels Offense
The Cougars' offensive success is supported by a stable coaching staff that has remained intact for three consecutive years. Led by offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Aaron Roderick, the staff includes running backs coach Harvey Unga and offensive line coach TJ Woods. This continuity has helped integrate new talent, including the freshman class, into the high-scoring system that produced 31.4 points per game during the 2025 season.
Upcoming Season Schedule
Looking ahead, the BYU football schedule features a demanding slate of games. Following the win against Utah Tech, the Cougars are scheduled to face Arizona on Sept. 12. The team's upcoming schedule includes matchups against Iowa State on Oct. 9, Notre Dame on Oct. 17, and Arizona State on Oct. 31, as the program continues to build momentum in the Big 12.
